Christmas in Porto, Portugal

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Porto

How long have you lived there?

We have lived in Porto, Portugal for almost 3 years.

How will be you spending the holiday season this year? Describe the current COVID-19 situation in your area and how you will be celebrating this year.

We will be going out for lunch on the 24th with a friend from Italy who couldn't go home for X-mas due to the lockdown there. Other than that, we will be staying home.

If you have suggestions or ideas for other expats to help them this holiday season, please share your ideas.

Cooking, eating and drinking at home with closest loved ones and keeping in touch with others online and by phone is the safest way to go this holìday season.

If locals celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah where you are living now, how is it celebrated differently?

Everyone is sheltering at home and celebrating with small groups of relatives.

If locals do not celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah (and you do), what do you do for the holidays?

Christmas is big here, but we are doing the same and staying at home for the most part.

Do you mix your own traditions with those of your expat location? If so, describe.

Yes! We will have traditional portuguese food for the holiday, bacalhau on X-mas eve.

What is your favorite thing about celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah in your overseas location?

Roasted chestnuts sold on the street, the smell of woodsmoke in the air. All of the amazingly great food everywhere!

Beside family and friends, what do you miss from home during the holidays?

Nothing.

How is New Year's typically celebrated in your expat location?

New years is usually a BIG party here. This year, however, New Years is cancelled.